Hard Rock Live
Hard Rock Live
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
562 reviews
Excellent
308
Very good
178
Average
48
Poor
18
Terrible
10
Jerry C
1 contribution
Jan 2023
Terrible venue for concert.
The wife and I were looking forward to three great bands… Mammoth, Red and Alter Bridge. We’ve been to dozens of shows, this was the worse. Sound mix was horrendous, just a jumble of noise and way too loud. Strobe lights in your face to the point of not being able to keep your eyes open 1/3 of the time. We will travel to another venue when our favorite bands tour from now on.
The wife and I were looking forward to three great bands… Mammoth, Red and Alter Bridge. We’ve been to dozens of shows, this was the worse. Sound mix was horrendous, just a jumble of noise and way too loud. Strobe lights in your face to the point of not being able to keep your eyes open 1/3 of the time. We will travel to another venue when our favorite bands tour from now on.
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gregory L
Orlando, FL304 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
What a disappointing experience this venue was to everyone in our party. A number of us went to see the "Nashville in Concert" series and the cost was $125 per seat to sit in the upper balcony eight rows from the back!! Although I love the television show "Nashville" none of the performers are bona fide concert draws requiring this price. In addition, the Hard Rock Live website charged us EACH another $40 for taxes and FEES! What a ripoff. At the concert, I found out some people sitting in our section got tickets for $65 from Groupon so I'm passing this info along to tourists coming to this venue or local residents. In addition, the venue had two large video boards on either side of the stage, but all they displayed the entire concert was the CMT logo and the Nashville concert series. For the price we paid to sit in the balcony, they couldn't even bother to put close-ups of the performers on the large screens for those of us in the "cheap" seats?!! DO NOT ORDER TICKETS DIRECTLY FROM HARD ROCK if you plan to go to this overpriced venue. Shame on Universal Studios, Hard Rock Live and CMT for gouging their customers and fans of "Nashville" and for providing a subpar event for such an outrageous price and fees.
Written July 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The-Travel-eater
Aberdeen, UK220 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
We went to see Ed Sheeran & Snow Patrol at the Hard Rock Live. Having been to many different concerts at many venues around the world, I would say this is one of the finest places to see a quality band. Seating is set up with 2 main seating sections. Balcony - split into center, left and right (both an upper and lower) and tables, which are down the side of the venue. On the lower floor is an extensive standing area that allow you to within a foot or so of the edge of the stage. Our tickets were Balcony right and nearly at the back. Despite that, the view was excellent. I believe this to be the case for just about every seat in the balcony area. The rows are sloped so much that despite the height of the person sitting in front, they will not impede your view. The table area is just bar tables with hard chairs but did seem to have an unbelievable view. So close you could have jumped onto the stage (if you were drunk enough and had a mattress to land on). Security was relaxed, access easy, toilets abundant and clean. There are also 2 bars on the balcony level as well as additional toilets, so no huge queues at either. A hint I maybe shouldn't mention... They state no cameras!!. I believe there are at least 500 I-phone videos of this concert. Just about every person filmed at least one song during the concert we saw. (Not us, of course. It's illegal and we would never, ever consider doing that.... honest!!!!!). All in all this is a world class venue for viewing your favorite band, or any other band. The view and distance from the stage gives and un paralleled experience and I would recommend a visit to anyone.
Written March 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dinksinct
Camillus, NY43 contributions
Nov 2019
Went to see So you Think You Can Dance Live 11/2/19. I sprung on got front row tickets. All you see is a 4 foot black wall and the dancers from the waste up.
The venue is nice, clean, people were nice. If it was a music show it wouldn't matter, but a dancing show where so much is done on the floor and with their lower bodies it was a waste of a LOT of cash.
It was my 1st time there. Given this knowledge the best seat in the house for a similar event is the 1st row on the sides in the balcony.
The venue is nice, clean, people were nice. If it was a music show it wouldn't matter, but a dancing show where so much is done on the floor and with their lower bodies it was a waste of a LOT of cash.
It was my 1st time there. Given this knowledge the best seat in the house for a similar event is the 1st row on the sides in the balcony.
Written November 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
agness!
someplace special19 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
We were lucky enough to snag a table in the balcony, the sightlines were awesome - it was wonderful not to have people walking in front of me all the time plus TABLE SERVICE! (NO standing in line at the bar babeee!) And "Mo" our server was great - cheerful, honest when food might take a while, but really did bring everything quickly.
I had never been to a concert at Hard Rock Live and liked the interiors very much - I was also impressed that they didn't oversell the standing room area in front of the stage. I do think they need more ladies-rooms...there might have been some liberations of the men's rooms because those bathrooms had no line...just sayin'.
As to the concert - Blondie & Garbage were both great and the opening band "Neap Valley" (a 2-woman band with a guitarist who can really shred a guitar) was good too. I think this concert might have spoiled me for other venues. Yeah, the drinks are slightly expensive - but no more that Margaritaville or any of the other CityWalk bar-restaurants and yeah Hard Rock Live could do with some more women's bathrooms but those are quibbles. I'd go back again in a heartbeat...especially if I could sit at one of the tables or the bar-seats in the balcony.
I had never been to a concert at Hard Rock Live and liked the interiors very much - I was also impressed that they didn't oversell the standing room area in front of the stage. I do think they need more ladies-rooms...there might have been some liberations of the men's rooms because those bathrooms had no line...just sayin'.
As to the concert - Blondie & Garbage were both great and the opening band "Neap Valley" (a 2-woman band with a guitarist who can really shred a guitar) was good too. I think this concert might have spoiled me for other venues. Yeah, the drinks are slightly expensive - but no more that Margaritaville or any of the other CityWalk bar-restaurants and yeah Hard Rock Live could do with some more women's bathrooms but those are quibbles. I'd go back again in a heartbeat...especially if I could sit at one of the tables or the bar-seats in the balcony.
Written August 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
burghgirl2017
Portland Maine19 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
First time at Hard Rock. Great venue and acoustics. Will see another concert there.
Things I learned:
Buying tickets:
Advance purchase recommended; risky to buy them at box office before show.
Phone or online: Extra per ticket fee.
Buying in person in advance: Be aware Universal has a daytime $20 parking fee. If you get lucky, you can ask one of the toll attendants for a free 30 min pass to park with buses. This allows you just enough time to run in the park and buy the tickets.
Floor vs Balcony seating
Intimate venue. We attended a country show and being on the floor was civil and great fun. Depending on the music genre, the floor crowd could be rowdier. Balcony offered regular seating and some with tables. I understand there is bar service on the balcony. However, the tables and set up seemed to get in the way of people doing any dancing up there, so keep this mind if you like to move!
Bags
I goofed and brought my LL Bean back pack which was too big for admittance. Smaller bags and backpacks allowed. Staff was great about checking it. I found a security person afterwards who quickly retrieved it for me.
Exiting
My strategy has always been to leave when the encore starts and beat the mass exodus. In the case of this Hard Rock,it was a wise decision. When we left around 10:30 a lot of the other venues were ending their entertainment and people were starting to file out. We booked it to our vehicle. Keep in mind parking is free after 6 to encourage the night time crowd. However, this means you'll be parking in the leftover roof spots. We happily zipped out without traffic and were back to our hotel in minutes. My guess is this has the potential to be a huge cluster with all of the garage floors leaving at the same time.
Hope you enjoy a show there and my tips!
Things I learned:
Buying tickets:
Advance purchase recommended; risky to buy them at box office before show.
Phone or online: Extra per ticket fee.
Buying in person in advance: Be aware Universal has a daytime $20 parking fee. If you get lucky, you can ask one of the toll attendants for a free 30 min pass to park with buses. This allows you just enough time to run in the park and buy the tickets.
Floor vs Balcony seating
Intimate venue. We attended a country show and being on the floor was civil and great fun. Depending on the music genre, the floor crowd could be rowdier. Balcony offered regular seating and some with tables. I understand there is bar service on the balcony. However, the tables and set up seemed to get in the way of people doing any dancing up there, so keep this mind if you like to move!
Bags
I goofed and brought my LL Bean back pack which was too big for admittance. Smaller bags and backpacks allowed. Staff was great about checking it. I found a security person afterwards who quickly retrieved it for me.
Exiting
My strategy has always been to leave when the encore starts and beat the mass exodus. In the case of this Hard Rock,it was a wise decision. When we left around 10:30 a lot of the other venues were ending their entertainment and people were starting to file out. We booked it to our vehicle. Keep in mind parking is free after 6 to encourage the night time crowd. However, this means you'll be parking in the leftover roof spots. We happily zipped out without traffic and were back to our hotel in minutes. My guess is this has the potential to be a huge cluster with all of the garage floors leaving at the same time.
Hope you enjoy a show there and my tips!
Written April 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crystal W
Toronto, Canada18 contributions
Sep 2016 • Solo
We were here for a 4-day conference. This was by far the most unique, high energy, well executed venue I have had the honor to experience.
Location was perfect, we also stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel. Passing the gates/music of Universal every morning was a great energy boost. The scenery of and accessibility to Universal/CityWalk was a great perk.
The food was spectacular, easy quick breakout rooms nearby, a couple outdoor/patio options for breaks, staff were all high energy, happy, professional and accommodating. Mike the manager made a point of introducing himself and always being around (with a smile), which certainly added to the experience. Mike Iovino at the bar was unreal - always a smile, always ready to accommodate any request, amazing energy.
Hope to be back again <3
Location was perfect, we also stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel. Passing the gates/music of Universal every morning was a great energy boost. The scenery of and accessibility to Universal/CityWalk was a great perk.
The food was spectacular, easy quick breakout rooms nearby, a couple outdoor/patio options for breaks, staff were all high energy, happy, professional and accommodating. Mike the manager made a point of introducing himself and always being around (with a smile), which certainly added to the experience. Mike Iovino at the bar was unreal - always a smile, always ready to accommodate any request, amazing energy.
Hope to be back again <3
Written September 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don G
Spartanburg, SC27 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
I took my 11 year old daughter here between a great day at Universal and Blue man group, we were greeted with smiles and glad your here, then we went to the station to be designated a server, the young man took us to our table (right next to the bathrooms) I asked if we could get another table he said "were busy and they don't allow that" before we could sit I was asked what we would like to drink, we ordered... and still sitting and pulling up my chair I was asked "would you like and appetizer?) I replied "I would like to look at the menu first". Then our beverages arrived, I ordered an appetizer and was asked " are you ready to order your entrees?" No, I need more time. I was about half way thru my Salmon Cesar salad and was asked if I would like desert. I told him No I'm still eating dinner, he then in a rude tone said "I guess your ready for the check then".
This was the type of experience that will cause me to never step foot in a Hard Rock anything ever again.
This was the type of experience that will cause me to never step foot in a Hard Rock anything ever again.
Written July 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C4vy579
Florida77 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
Here's a little hint: There are balcony tables on the left and right side of the stage (so you'd look down at the performer from the sides), and these tables offer drink service right at your seat. The catches are: Each table seats 4, so you have to purchase all four seats, even if you don't plan to use them, and these tables are not sold through ticketmaster or LiveNation. You have to call the box office to check availability and purchase that way. They are so worth it. I saw the bars elsewhere in the venue selling drinks, but I didn't see any food. They either weren't selling it for the Kathleen Madigan performance or people just didn't buy it. The bars get crowded, so allow time to arrive, find your seat, get settled, and get a drink before the show time. The show was delayed by around 15 minutes, and people were still moseying into the venue and just approaching the bars when the lights went down. If you don't want to miss anything, just plan to arrive about 20 minutes before show time.
Written December 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter M
Edinburgh, UK4 contributions
Nov 2019
Both the service and food was great. Went twice and both times I sat at the bar. The bar staff were polite and friendly. As you would expect the cafe has a lot of memorabilia around the cafe so plenty to look at.
Written November 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have tickets for a 7pm show. Is it enough time to walk from the parking garage if we wait until 6pm to park (for free). Someone mentioned it’s a far walk. Will we make it for the start of the show?
Written November 13, 2023
To enter Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure, yes, but for City Walk and Hard Rock, and numerous restaurants and stores in this area, no pass is needed.
Written December 10, 2018
Would you recommend buying a seat in the balcony or general admission on the floor?
Written May 23, 2018
Is it separate from Universal Studios? Do we have to buy a ticket to Universal?
Written April 12, 2017
To go to the Hard Rock or a show at the Hard Rock you do not need a ticket to the park. You may or may not have to pay for parking and you will have to go through security in the parking garage. If you are going to a show, you will also have to go though the security at the Hard Rock also.
Written April 12, 2017
Park at the Universal Parking garage, after 6 it is free for Florida residents.
Written March 10, 2017
Hit the restaurants around city walk, or the HR itself, great venue with bars. Concerts are loud though, if that is a concern.
Written December 18, 2016
At what time can you arrive for the closest to stage possible? I bought GA tickets for the 1975.
Written October 1, 2016
It usually opens an Hour before actual show time. I always call Hard Rock Live before I go and make sure because depending on circumstances it may vary.
Written January 8, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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